Nehru: The Invention of India

Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister and a towering figure in the global anti-colonial movement, played a pivotal role in shaping India's destiny. His vision for an independent and modern India, articulated in his seminal work "The Discovery of India," has had a profound impact on the country's political, economic, and cultural trajectory.

Nehru: The Invention of India

by Shashi Tharoor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Nehru's Vision for India

Nehru's vision for India was rooted in the principles of democracy, socialism, non-alignment, and secularism. He believed that India should be a pluralistic and inclusive society, where all citizens had equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their religion, caste, or gender.

Nehru was a staunch advocate of socialism. He believed that the state had a responsibility to ensure the welfare of all its citizens and that the economy should be structured in a way that benefited the majority. He also believed in the importance of industrialization and scientific advancement, seeing it as the key to India's economic progress.

In international relations, Nehru adopted a policy of non-alignment. He believed that India should not align itself with any of the major power blocs and should instead chart its own independent course. He also played a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement, a grouping of countries that sought to remain neutral in the Cold War.

The Invention of India

In his book "The Discovery of India," Nehru explored the history and culture of India, arguing that it was a land of great diversity and richness. He believed that India had the potential to emerge as a leading nation in the world, but that it needed to overcome its internal divisions and embrace modernity.

Nehru's vision for India was not without its challenges. He faced opposition from both the right and the left, and his policies were often criticized as being too idealistic or impractical. However, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and worked tirelessly to build a modern and progressive India.

Nehru's Legacy

Nehru's legacy is immense. He is remembered as the architect of modern India, a nation that has emerged as a global economic and political powerhouse. His vision for a secular, democratic, and non-aligned India has served as a guiding principle for successive governments.

Nehru's commitment to education, science, and technology has left a lasting impact on India's development. He established the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs),which have become world-renowned institutions of higher learning. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),which has made India a leading nuclear power.

Nehru's legacy extends beyond India. He was a passionate advocate for peace and disarmament, and he played a leading role in the global anti-colonial movement. He was also a close friend and confidant of many world leaders, including US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.

Jawaharlal Nehru was a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping India's destiny. His vision for an independent, democratic, and modern India continues to inspire Indians to this day. He was a global statesman who dedicated his life to the cause of peace and human progress.

Further Reading

• The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Nehru Memorial Museum & Library

Nehru: The Invention of India

by Shashi Tharoor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2529 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE